Indigenous Peoples Cultural Center Introduction
The native indigenous population in Taiwan is predominantly found in Hualien and Taitung, while Taoyuan City is home to 16 indigenous groups, making it the city with the largest indigenous population in western Taiwan. The Taoyuan Indigenous Cultural Center officially opened in July 2004, becoming a cultural hub for indigenous peoples in the city and is currently listed as one of the Taoyuan Urban Story Museum Group. The cultural center aims to establish a landmark for indigenous culture, as seen from the architectural design of the center and the surrounding plaza, which showcases various indigenous styles; examples include totem columns that express the spirit of the groups through beautiful lines, the Lookout Tower used for protecting the village boundaries against outsiders, and the Rainbow Avenue that symbolizes the unity of various tribes, with carvings of distinctive totems from Taiwan's different groups on all sides, and a base that combines the colors of traditional clothing with Taiwan's unique geographical features, conveying the imagery of cultural fusion. The plaza features introduction panels for each tribe and a distribution map of indigenous peoples across Taiwan, providing visitors with an initial understanding of indigenous culture. The cultural center also incorporates museum functions, displaying traditional artifacts such as handicrafts, weaving tools, indigenous clothing, and hunting knives. Inside the display room, there are explanations of significant events for each tribe and introductions to traditional festivals, allowing for a thorough understanding of indigenous history through detailed text descriptions and old photographs. The center regularly hosts arts and cultural exhibitions, providing a platform for indigenous artists to express their tribal culture. In addition to static displays, visitors can participate in guided tours and DIY experiences at the workshops of resident artists. From Friday to Sunday, the center offers performances of indigenous dance by resident dance troupes, allowing guests to experience the vibrant song and dance of the indigenous peoples. Annual seasonal rituals and ceremonies are also held here.
